Store Tubers but Don't Forget Them

Remember those elephant ears and cannas or Caladiums you stored in September? Maybe you had dahlias, begonias, or calla lilies. Whatever is was that you dug up, now is a good time to check them to see how they are doing. Remove and discard any tubers that are soft, rotted, or moldy. Repack remaining tubers in new newspaper or dry peat moss. Continue to store the elephant ears and cannas at 60-70 degrees. The other tubers and rhizomes tolerate cooler temperatures.

Elephant ears and Caladiums do make nice houseplants. You can pot one or two of them up in a sterile, soil-less mixture such as Pro-Mix and begin watering and fertilizing. Elephant ears enjoy indirect light and temperatures above 70 degrees. They can always be moved to the porch or deck once summer returns.

It is a good policy to check these stored gems every thirty days as some can still start to soften and rot with the little moisture left in them. Do not take any risks. If in doubt,

Separate the suspect ones from the good. It is better to be safe than sorry. The regular check will also help you quickly spot any growth activity and adjust the tubers to an upright position.